A protection system for a connector that comprises two connector elements (1, 2) provided with open ends that are mutually engagable one in the other along an engagement direction, the system comprising first and second shutters (11, 21), each connected to a respective one of the open ends via a laterally-offset hinge (12, 22) of axis parallel to the engagement direction, in such a manner that each shutter can be pivoted between a position in which it shuts the corresponding open end and a position in which it disengages it, the shutters having respective front faces provided with means (17, 27) enabling them to be constrained to pivot together about the hinge axis, and the hinge of the first shutter being mounted on the corresponding end so as to be movable in translation parallel to the engagement direction between a position in which the shutter is flush with the open end and a position in which it is set back from the open end.